Remembering Papa

Memorial Day is one of the most popular holidays of the year. There are many reasons for its popularity. For many people, Memorial Day marks the beginning of Summer. For open wheel race fans, Memorial Day weekend marks the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monte Carlo and the Indianapolis 500. For others, it's just a three day weekend.

I have to admit that, as a huge open wheel racing fan, the two most prestigious races in the world happening on the same day is very exciting. But those two races and the three day weekend aren't what I think of most when Memorial Day rolls around each year.

No, I think of Papa.

Papa was one of the thousands of teenagers who went to Europe to serve in World War II. Like many WWII veterans; Papa didn't talk about his experiences much. In fact, I can only recall two instances when he was willing to discuss the war with me, but even then he wouldn't talk about anything specific. He told me about several missions and battles he fought in, but only in very general terms.

Papa told me he was at Normandy, but he wouldn't say anything about it.

He told me he participated in the liberation of a death camp, but he wouldn't say anything about that, either.

Papa went and did what was asked of him. He wouldn't speak of things he did and saw because some of those things were, I'm sure, unspeakable things.

Papa was part of the greatest generation. The generation that answered their country's call and served without complaint. The generation that asked for nothing in return for their sacrifice other than the chance to rebuild their lives when they came home. The generation we are on the verge of losing completely.

Statisticians tell us that we lose over 600 WWII veterans every day. The United States had some sixteen million WWII vets at the end of the war. It is estimated that we have less than one million left. Experts  predict that they will all be gone within twenty years.

Each death results in the loss of more than just one life. It is the loss of all of the memories of what was both one of the world's darkest periods and one of its most glorious moments at the same time. It is the loss of another life that changed history. It is the loss of history itself.

We have all witnessed how history is re-written once the last of the witnesses are gone. Many have already tried to re-write that era of history by denying the Holocaust ever happened. Each day, we lose hundreds of witnesses. Witnesses who can testify that, yes, it happened and we responded; bringing justice to the perpetrators and peace to the victims.

They are what Memorial Day is about; not the cookouts or the races or the parties. Our nation's Flag flies at half staff from sunrise until Noon on Memorial Day in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice; and at full staff from Noon on in celebration of the fruits of their sacrifice.

So go ahead and enjoy your cookouts, parades, picnics and parties today, but go about it with a grateful heart as you remember...

For Memorial Day is about remembering.

Remembering those who have fought for their country.

Remembering those who were among the casualties of war.

Remembering those who came home but aren't with us any more.

Remembering Papa.